Human Physiology

The Human Physiology Department studies the science of the mechanical, physical and biomedical functions of humans, serving as the foundation of modern medicine. As a discipline, it connects science, medicine, and health, creating a framework for understanding how the human body adapts to stress, physical activity, and disease.

Human Physiology is home to award-winning teaching and research faculty. Our engaging, inclusive, and evidence-based teaching and year-long, cadaver-based anatomy curriculum allows students to work alongside faculty members on cutting-edge science. Contemporary research in human physiology explores new ways to maintain or improve quality of life, development of new medical therapies and interventions, and charting the unanswered questions about how the human body works.

1,071
Undergraduate Majors
30%
First-generation students
1st
Established Department of Human Physiology in the U.S.
$3M
Annual research grants

What can you do with a Human Physiology degree?

A degree in Human Physiology opens many doors for students, providing them with the foundation for  careers in health care, sports and fitness facilities, nursing and residential career outpatient clinics or private practice, federal and state government health, or hospice. Many human physiology graduates elect to earn advanced degrees in allied health professions, including medicine, and physical and occupational therapy.

Steve Laurie at NASA, standing next to space capsule

How Human Physiology Launches Your Career

“The Human Physiology department fostered a rigorous academic training environment, but also placed a strong emphasis on how to be a critical thinker in all aspects of work and life. I now work in the aerospace industry for a federal government contractor, and the training I received in communication, the breadth of exposure to various topic areas, and exposure to non-academic career paths all prepared me for my professional life after leaving Oregon.”

—Steve Laurie, Human Physiology doctoral alumnus ‘12

Our Degree Programs

Our undergraduate students complete preparatory science courses in chemistry, biology, mathematics and physics that prepare them for the upper-level coursework in human anatomy and physiology. Our graduate program is focused on training the next generation of critical thinking scientists who can benefit society by using careful reasoning and scientific principles to solve problems and innovate new areas of scientific application.

Faculty Research

Learn from Experts in the Field

Our faculty are involved in cutting-edge biomedical research that covers the spectrum from bench-top basic science to bedside clinical research and application, to sport and human performance. Our areas of excellence include:

  • The developmental origins of disease related to the impact of maternal diet and health status on the well-being of offspring.
  • Human adaptation to environmental extremes such as high altitude.
  • Use of environmental stressors such as heat stress to induce therapeutic benefits in patient populations.
  • Nutritional interventions to preserve muscle function in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.
  • Prediction and prevention of overuse injuries arising from participation in sports.
  • Neuromotor strategies for movement and assessment of movement disorders.
  • The effect of age-associated changes in blood vessels on risk of atherosclerosis.
Hands-On Learning

Get Real World Experience

Experiential learning opportunities allow students to apply knowledge learned in human physiology courses and gain critical insights into various career options. All of our faculty work closely with undergraduate students, allowing for rich opportunities for hands-on research experience. We also offer practicum opportunities in healthcare settings. The Human Cadaver Dissection Lab offers the unparalleled opportunity for hands-on exploration of the human form. Advanced undergraduates may also earn the opportunity to participate in the annual dissection course, when donated bodies are prepared for instructional use.

Hands-on Learning

Scholarships & Funding

The Human Physiology department gives out $18,000 annually in awards and scholarships to help fund student education. Explore our available scholarships and funding, including graduate teaching opportunities, below.

Undergraduate Scholarships
Graduate Funding

Academic Support

Our Peer Advisors are majors in Human Physiology who help you navigate course options and direction within the department. We also offer a drop-in study room. Our faculty work closely with the UO Teaching Engagement Program to make our classes engaging, inclusive, and effective.

Undergraduate Advising
Graduate Student Support

Human Physiology News and Events

May 24, 2023
NEUROSCIENCE, HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY - Exposure to opioids in the womb affects the development of important circuits in the brain and spinal cord that control breathing, according to new research by University of Oregon Associate Professor Adrianne Huxtable. The findings could lead to better treatments and interventions for at-risk infants.
January 27, 2023
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY - Even a simple movement like pushing a button sends ripples of activity throughout networks of neurons spanning across the brain, new University of Oregon research shows.
January 9, 2023
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY - The world’s top free divers can hold their breath for minutes at a time, embarking on extended underwater adventures without the aid of scuba equipment.

All news »


Rethinking Territory: Global Shifts, Local Dynamics
Jun3
Rethinking Territory: Global Shifts, Local Dynamics Jun 3 Gerlinger Hall
Let's Talk - Wednesday 2-4PM
Jun7
Let's Talk - Wednesday 2-4PM Jun 7 Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center
Human Physiology Seminar Series with Dr. Amanda LeBlanc
Jun9
Human Physiology Seminar Series with Dr. Amanda LeBlanc Jun 9 Lawrence Hall
"Who Knew?"
Jun10
"Who Knew?" Jun 10 Miller Theatre Complex
"Who Knew?"
Jun11
"Who Knew?" Jun 11 Miller Theatre Complex
Let's Talk - Wednesday 2-4PM
Jun14
Let's Talk - Wednesday 2-4PM Jun 14 Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center
CAS Commencement Ceremony - Natural Sciences
Jun20
CAS Commencement Ceremony - Natural Sciences Jun 20 Autzen Stadium
CAS Commencement Ceremony - Humanities
Jun20
CAS Commencement Ceremony - Humanities Jun 20 East Campus Green- Located West of Global Scholars Hall
CAS Commencement Ceremony - Social Sciences
Jun20
CAS Commencement Ceremony - Social Sciences Jun 20 Autzen Stadium
CAS Commencement Ceremony - Global Studies and Languages
Jun20
CAS Commencement Ceremony - Global Studies and Languages Jun 20 Memorial Quad Lawn

All events »